GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    
    Lust , n. [AS. lust, lust, pleasure, longing; akin to OS., D., G., & Sw. lust, Dan. & Icel. lyst, Goth lustus, and perh. tom Skr. lush to desire, or to E. loose. Cf. List to please, Listless.]
    1. Pleasure. [Obs.] “ Lust and jollity.”
      Chaucer.

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    2. Inclination; desire. [Obs.]
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      For little lust had she to talk of aught.
      Spenser.

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      My lust to devotion is little.
      Bp. Hall.

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    3. Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; -- in a had sense; as, the lust of gain.
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      The lust of reigning.
      Milton.

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    4. Licentious craving; a strong sexual appetite.
      Milton.

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    5. Hence: Virility; vigor; active power. [Obs.]
      Bacon.

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  2.       
    
    Lust , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lusted; p. pr. & vb. n. Lusting.] [AS. lystan. See Lust, n., and cf. List to choose.]
    1. To list; to like. [Obs.] Chaucer. “ Do so if thou lust. ”
      Latimer.

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      ☞ In earlier usage lust was impersonal.

      In the water vessel he it cast
      When that him luste.
      Chaucer.
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    2. To have an eager, passionate, and especially an inordinate or sinful desire, as for the gratification of the sexual appetite or of covetousness; -- often with after.
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      Whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
      Deut. xii. 15.

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      Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
      Matt. v. 28.

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      The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.
      James iv. 5.

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